Western Australia, Australia · Trip plan
5 days in Perth & Margaret River
Quokkas on Rottnest, wine country and empty white beaches.
- Best time
- Oct – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $270 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,700
Planning a 5-day trip to Perth & Margaret River? Here's a day-by-day Perth & Margaret River itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Summer in Western Australia is sunny and dry, with long beach days and wineries in full swing.
Perth is one of the world's most remote cities, with beaches, wine country and wildlife nearby.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
Summer: 18–32°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Perth & Margaret River
- 01
Rottnest Island
Quokka selfies and turquoise bays.
- 02
Margaret River
Wineries, surf and caves.
- 03
Fremantle
A historic port town.
- 04
Kings Park
City views.
Day by day
Perth & Margaret River itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Perth
- Morning
- Walk Kings Park for views over the city and the Swan River.
- Afternoon
- Elizabeth Quay and the city centre.
- Evening
- Dinner in Northbridge.
Kings Park is one of the world's largest city parks.
- D2
Day 2: Rottnest Island
- Morning
- Ferry to Rottnest Island and rent a bike.
- Afternoon
- Cycle between turquoise bays and meet the quokkas.
- Evening
- Back to Perth.
Don't feed or touch the quokkas.
- D3
Day 3: Fremantle and south
- Morning
- Fremantle Markets and the historic prison.
- Afternoon
- Drive about 3 hours south.
- Evening
- Arrive in Margaret River.
Break the drive at Busselton Jetty.
- D4
Day 4: Wine country
- Morning
- Cellar-door tastings at Margaret River wineries.
- Afternoon
- Visit Lake Cave or Mammoth Cave.
- Evening
- Dinner at a winery restaurant.
Hire a driver if tasting.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Morning at Surfers Point.
- Afternoon
- Drive back to Perth.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow time for the drive.
Shorter or longer
Perth & Margaret River in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Perth & Margaret River
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Perth & Margaret River
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef.
What it costs
Perth & Margaret River trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $130 | $1,300 |
| Mid-range | $270 | $2,700 |
| Luxury | $650+ | $6,500 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Perth & Margaret River is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Perth & Margaret River for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Perth & Margaret River
Rock lobster
Western Australia's pride.
Margaret River wine
Cabernet and Chardonnay.
Fish and chips
In Fremantle.
Getting there
How to reach Perth & Margaret River
- Travel
- Perth airport has flights from across Australia and Asia.
- Getting around
- A car beyond the city.
- Rent bikes on Rottnest.
- Margaret River is about 3 hours south.
Before you go
What to pack for Perth & Margaret River
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Perth & Margaret River trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Perth & Margaret River?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Fremantle. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Perth & Margaret River trip cost?
Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $270 mid-range and $650+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,700 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Perth & Margaret River?
Oct – Apr. Summer in Western Australia is sunny and dry, with long beach days and wineries in full swing.
Where should I stay in Perth & Margaret River?
Budget: Hostels in Perth (Northbridge), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Fremantle (Fremantle), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Cape Lodge (Margaret River), from about $600 a night.
How do I reach Perth & Margaret River?
Perth airport has flights from across Australia and Asia.
Is 4 days enough for Perth & Margaret River?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Perth & Margaret River?
Summer: 18–32°C.
What food should I try in Perth & Margaret River?
Rock lobster: Western Australia's pride. Margaret River wine: Cabernet and Chardonnay. Fish and chips: In Fremantle.
How do I get around Perth & Margaret River?
A car beyond the city.
You might also like
More trips like Perth & Margaret River
- Queensland, AustraliaCairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
Jun – Nov5 days · from $120/day - South AfricaCape Town
Table Mountain, penguins and winelands in the southern summer.
Nov – Mar6 days · from $90/day - Costa RicaCosta Rica
Volcanoes, cloud forests, sloths and two coasts.
Dec – Apr7 days · from $90/day